The Government wishes to respond to the erroneous message which has been circulating on social media about the residents of Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard. It is unfortunate that some would seek to do political mischief particularly with an issue that affects the lives and livelihood of these residents. The public will recall the former Ministry for Grand Bahama began initial consultations with stakeholders which included The Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard Environmental Committee; The Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Department of the Environmental Health Services.

In 2015 the PAHO/WHO report assessed that during the monitoring period, and based on air and water sampling, no evidence was found of harmful chemical exposure on a day to day basis in the affected residual areas under review. This report was made public and tabled in the House of Assembly.

As a result, the former government consented to a further assessment and the installation of a monitoring system. In April of 2017 the former government received a progress report of the monitoring system and draft report of the further assessment. These reports were not made public at the time.

These reports which the present Government met in office are receiving urgent and immediate attention. The public and particularly those residents who are affected should note that this Government is committed and has acted in an open, transparent and responsible manner with the report at the New Providence Landfill and will continue this policy with respect to the residents in Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard. The residents in the affected areas can rest assured that this Government is committed to ensuring their safety and well-being.

Bahamas Information Services